6-tips-for-better-password-security

Here are six quick and simple steps for better password security. We look at what makes a good password. Why changing your passwords frequently is still a good idea, and why it’s still important to wary of emails asking for login details.

1. Use a complex passwords

Probably the best password tip is to use a super-complex password. One which would give even the most stubborn of hackers a run for their money. Old password tips like swapping letters with numbers for example P455w0rd no longer cut the mustard in 2015.

Here’s our tips for creating a strong password:

  • Use passwords which are 14 characters long.
  • Avoid using personal info. ‘Social Engineering’ means it’s easier to lookup your birthday, favourite movie or colour.
  • Include symbols, numbers and mix capital letters and lower-case letters.
  • Mix unrelated words together. For example, foods, sports and car brands (cheesetennisvw).

2. Change your password

Changing your password regularly makes it harder for someone to guess or ‘crack’ your password. We generally recommend changing your passwords at least once every year.

To change your Ecenica passwords see our support article for changing passwords.

3. Vary your passwords

Once you’ve thought up a nice and strong password, it’s tempting to use the same password across all your login.

Using multiple and different passwords for each of your accounts keeps you safer as a hacker would be limited to just one of your accounts instead of instant access to everything.

4. Use a password locker to store passwords

A password locker app stores your logins and usernames across your devices, such as your iPhone, Mac and PC. They work by setting a master password which gives you access to your password locker.

Password apps are available for free or for a few £’s. We recommend browsing the app stores for your preferred password app.

5. Sharing your device? Don’t tick ‘Remember Me’!

Un-check ‘remember me’ to stop you being kept logged in your online accounts after you’ve finished.

Especially useful when you use a public PC or even when you grab a friend or family members laptop or iPad to quickly login to your account. Un-checking ‘remember me’ means you’ll be logged out of your accounts after you’ve finished and closed the web browser window.

Ecenica Webmail features an option to uncheck Remember Me to keep you safe.

6. Your password IS encrypted right!?

Sometimes not just up to you. Recent hacks in 2014 have shown how passwords stored at your online providers can be compromised. Web hosts are no different.

One of the easiest things to do is make sure your web host does not store your passwords in plain text (Something anyone can read) and instead encrypts them.

At Ecenica we encrypt all your passwords you use to login to the services we provide you.

6. Be wary of phishing emails asking you for your login details.

A tip to watch out for is emails asking for you to provide your login details. They’ll often explain you’ve been locked out of your account, or even have a refund or credit which needs to be paid to you.

Our tip is to never open or click the links in these emails.

Nowadays, online suppliers will never ask you to provide your login details in an email. If you’re ever in doubt, contact your online provider directly and ask them. For example, we’d always be happy to confirm an email is fake.

Got more tips for better password security? Tweet us @ecenica

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